As in talent competition held over the weekend, overseas-based delegates dominated the preliminary competitions of the 2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant held at the Ascott BGC in Taguig City on Monday evening.

Nina Ancheta, who represents the Filipino community in Los Angeles, California, bested 49 other aspirants in the tilt’s 50th anniversary edition to bag the Best in Swimsuit award.

She also placed second in the gown competition and third in the race for the Mutya ng Mags race, from clothing sponsor Mags.

Victoria Bangit from the Filipino community of Melbourne, Australia, who finished second in the talent competition, settled for third place in the swimsuit competition.

Sharifa Akeel from Sultan Kudarat carried the banner for homegrown bets, receivingthe Best in Evening Gown award. She also received the Mutya ng Zanea title, from the pageant’s shoe sponsor.

Kristine Micah Malicsi from Navotas placed second in the swimsuit contest, while Iloilo’s Kesha Ramchandran finished third in the gown competition.

Ramachandran also placed second in the race for Mutya ng Mags, which was topped by Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx.

Pangasinan’s Annie Uson was hailed Mutya ng Rain or Shine, while Honey Grace Cartasano from Antipolo was proclaimed Mutya ng Hannah’s Beach Resort.

The pageant also honored the designers who participated in the gown competition by providing the delegates’ wardrobe.

Five couturiers were announced to be in contention for the Best Designer award, which will be awarded during the final ceremonies on Sept. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The top five designers were Alfee Desamparado, Daniel Manila, Bea Bianca, Harold Borlado, and JR Flores.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a media partner of the 2018 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant. /atm